Bali, island of the gods and gateway to Paradise is a relatively small island, east of Java across the Bali Strait. In recent years, luxurious hotel complexes have appeared, tastefully recreating the islandís ethnic traditions. The capital of Bali, Denpasar, is the commercial centre of the island with good shopping facilities and a fascinating variety of entertainment.

Colorful dance and drama play an important part in the lives of the Bali people and almost every village has its own dance group, the favorite dance being the Barong.

In the northern region of the island, the 1,800 metre high Gunung Batur volcano is still active, its slopes covered in lava fields that extend deep into its crater.

Hindu temples abound, the Kehen being one of the most beautiful terraced temples in Bali and the Pura Besakih, the most revered.

As in ancient times, rice is still cultivated in the traditional way, with ox and plough traversing the fields. Sun drenched beaches, cloud-kissed volcanoes, exquisite ethnic architecture and dreamy temples;itís no wonder that Bali is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in East Asia.